GENERIC NAME: BRONCHODILATOR - AEROSOL ORAL INHALER
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This drug relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates airways to improve breathing. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The inhaler enables the drug to reach deep into the lungs for maximum benefit.
HOW TO USE: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before using. Some products require priming before the very first use, or if several days pass between uses. Consult your pharmacist for more details. Place the canister near your mouth and exhale. Depress the spray as you inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one full minute between inhalations. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness and relieve throat irritation. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. Excessive use may make the drug less effective and may increase side effects. If you find yourself using more than usual, contact your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this drug or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, pounding heartbeat, breathing difficulties. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially of: overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, any drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, including: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol), drugs used to treat asthma, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, drugs for depression, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). Consult your doctor before using diet pills or drugs used to treat colds or allergies, including those sold over-the-counter. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (USA) or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, dizziness, headache, unusually fast heart- beat, muscle weakness, sleeplessness, or chest pain.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: Ask your doctor about what action to take if you should miss a dose. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not puncture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
SLIDESHOW
What is Asthma? Asthma Myths Debunked See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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COPD vs. Emphysema
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the term doctors and other healthcare professionals use to describe a group of serious, progressive (worsens over time), chronic lung diseases that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. The number one cause of COPD or emphysema, is smoking, and smoking is the third leading cause of death in the US.
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or air pollutants. Conditions that accompany COPD include chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment of COPD includes GOLD guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. The life expectancy of a person with COPD depends on the stage of the disease.
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Lung Anatomy
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
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Adult-Onset Asthma
Adult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.